Teeth Whitening – Bleaching Vs. Laser

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By Paul Scolens

malesmileTeeth whitening is a serious enterprise. Dentists across the nation are being inundated with requests for whitening treatments as we speak, and a host of commercial products promise to deliver superior whitening results in a matter of days. If your own smile could use some serious brightening up, perhaps you’ve considered the different options that are available. Bleaching remains the most popular whitening method, but laser treatments have also gained a lot of traction in recent years. So which technique is right for you?

First, Some Caveats

When it comes to whitening, you get what you pay for. If you’re looking at the $7.00 whitening kits at your local drug store, you might notice a marginal improvement over time, but you won’t get the same results that you would get from a professional treatment or kit. Unfortunately, the truly effective whitening agents can be pretty costly, so if you’re serious about achieving outstanding results, consider it a worthwhile investment in your smile.

Bleaching

If you purchase a professional bleaching kit, you can achieve impressive results in a matter of weeks. The downside is that you have to spend hours at a time wearing uncomfortable bleaching trays, and the results are not immediately noticeable. If you don’t mind a bit of discomfort, though, at-home bleaching kits provide the most cost-effective means of achieving noticeable results. The solution consists of a hydrogen peroxide resin, and is perfectly safe.

Remember though, you get what you pay for, so if a bleaching kit seems remarkably inexpensive, it probably won’t deliver the results you’re looking for. A professional kit may run you $150 or more, but it should lighten your teeth by as many as 6 to 8 shades. Compare the different options, and don’t hesitate to check out the online reviews before you spend your hard-earned money.

Laser Whitening

Laser whitening takes the process one step further. Like the bleaching process, it begins with a layer of hydrogen peroxide, which is placed over your teeth by your dentist. Then, as your teeth are exposed, the dentist shines a strong light into your mouth, which oxidizes the solution and expedites the whitening process. Laser whitening is typically much more expensive than bleaching, but its results are also immediate.

Another distinct advantage to laser whitening is that it’s managed entirely under the supervision of a dental professional. You’ll typically receive a thorough teeth cleaning before the process begins, and you don’t need to worry about misunderstanding any important instructions. Just lay back and let your dentist take care of the dirty work.

Which Method is Right For You?

When it comes to laser treatment vs bleaching, there really is no one right answer. Both methods are safe and effective, but it all comes down to your personal needs. If cost is your biggest concern, go with the bleaching treatment. If you’re looking for rapid fire results, give the laser a try. Either way, you’ll look fantastic.

– Paul Scolens is a freelance writer and marketer based in Southern California. His contributions have been featured in a wide range of publications including the Houston Chronicle Online and Livestrong.com. He currently writes for a variety of business enterprises, including Menlo Park Dental Excellence, a dental practice based in Northern California.